Joel Smith

Joel serves as President of Universal Construction and brings over 22 years of construction experience to the company, all of which have been spent with Universal. Having worked his way through the field as a superintendent before moving into executive leadership, Joel brings a practical, hands-on perspective to project planning, operations, and company leadership.

As part of the fifth generation of family leadership at Universal Construction, Joel takes pride in continuing a legacy built on relationships, integrity, and service. That commitment carries into his work each day, where he focuses on supporting clients, building strong partnerships, and helping projects succeed through consistent communication and collaboration.

Throughout his career, Joel has helped lead a wide range of education, municipal, community, and faith-based projects throughout Kansas and Missouri. His experience in both field operations and executive leadership allows him to support projects from early planning through successful completion while maintaining a strong focus on quality, communication, and client service.

Outside of work, Joel serves as an elder at Christ Community Church and remains actively involved in leadership and serving his community. He enjoys spending time with his wife and family, visiting National Parks, and exploring the outdoors. His faith, family values, and commitment to serving others continue to influence both his personal life and professional leadership.

Memorable Projects Include:

• Christ Community- Multiple Campuses
• Catholic Charities- Serve and Lift Center
• Kearney School District- New Stadium

Joel’s experience spans a wide range of education, community, and faith based projects, reflecting his leadership and long standing commitment to quality construction.